"The carriage is ready," said Matvey; "but there's some one to see you with a petition.

" "Been here long?" asked Stepan Arkadyevitch.

"Half an hour.

" "How many times have I told you to tell me at once?" "One must let you drink your coffee in peace, at least," said Matvey, in the affectionately gruff tone with which it was impossible to be angry.

"Well, show the person up at once," said Oblonsky, frowning with vexation.